DirecTV's Fall Doc Series 'Something to Talk About' Will Include Sean Penn-Centric Film 'Haiti Untold'

DirecTV is bringing back Thandie Newton crime series "Rogue," it's first original scripted drama, for a second season, and it's also set to bring back "Something to Talk About," its documentary series presented in collaboration with Brainstorm Media and made up of films about socially and culturally relevant issues.

DirecTV is bringing back Thandie Newton crime series "Rogue," it's first original scripted drama, for a second season, and it's also set to bring back "Something to Talk About," its documentary series presented in collaboration with Brainstorm Media and made up of films about socially and culturally relevant issues.

The series will kick off in October with "Haiti Untold," featuring Sean Penn, and all of the films are exclusive television debuts which will air on the satellite provider's Audience Network as well as in select theaters. "Our viewers respond to intelligent, provocative programming and the films presented in the first season of 'Something to Talk About' really resonated with them," DirecTV's Chris Long said in the announcement. "We are thrilled provide our customers with another collection of these diverse films which touch upon some of today’s most relevant issues." Here's a look at the films, with descriptions courtesy of DirecTV.

HAITI UNTOLD, directed by Dan Shannon, chronicles the personal journey of a few famous and not-so-famous individuals who have put their heads and hearts to the task of effecting radical change in Haiti, following the devastating earthquake of 2010. The film features Sean Penn, Donna Karan, George Laraque, and a host of other notable individuals whose ongoing efforts in the country are effecting radical change in the country. Haiti Untold will kick off the series on Thursday, October 3 at 8PM ET/PT.

DRAWING DEAD: THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF ONLINE POKER, directed by Mike Weeks, is an insightful look into the highs and lows of online poker from two very different perspectives: a professional poker player worth millions, and a gambling addict. This film will air on Thursday, October 10 at 8PM ET/PT.

When Superstorm Sandy devastated the East Coast, it was a wake-up call to a new reality. SHORED UP, directed by Ben Kalina, takes us to the heart of the climate change controversy, following communities in New Jersey and North Carolina where politics, economics and science collide. Beginning 3 years before Hurricane Sandy hit and following the debates over beach replenishment and other attempts to hold back the sea, the film becomes convincing call for action along our coasts. As the oceans rise and storms flood our towns and cities, we have a choice to make: do we continue to develop as we have in the past, ignoring clear risks and danger? Or, do we allow science to guide our policies for the future... before it's too late. The film will premiere on October 24 at 8PM ET/PT.

JFK: A PRESIDENT BETRAYED, directed by Cory Taylor, uncovers new evidence that reveals how John F. Kennedy was determined to get out of Vietnam; open negotiations with Cuba's Fidel Castro; and forge peaceful relations with the Soviet Union. The film brings to light how President Kennedy was subverted by government officials and considers how the world might be different had he lived. The film will premiere on November 7 at 8PM ET/PT.

DESERT RUNNERS, directed by Jennifer Steinman, follows a diverse group of non-professional runners and their attempt to complete the most difficult ultra-marathon race series on Earth. Their dramatic journey takes them across the world’s most picturesque yet brutal landscapes, pushing their bodies, hearts and spirits through a myriad of external and internal obstacles. The film delves deep into the mindset of these ultra-athletes, and the complex ways in which human beings deal with both heartbreak and triumph. The film will premiere on November 21 at 8PM ET/PT.

The theatrical release dates of these docs has yet to be announced, but they will also be available on DirecTV on Demand.